A CUSTOMER service manager for HB Technologies in Newton Aycliffe is celebrating the achievement of his European computer driving licence (ECDL) as part of County Durham On Line's Prospect project.

Stuart Egglington participated in the ECDL, which is open to individuals from local small and medium-sized businesses and is recognised throughout Europe as a certificate of competence.

It provides essential IT training in key areas of information and communication technologies.

"I joined the prospect project because I really wanted a qualification which would improve and certify my skills," said Stuart, 27, from Darlington.

"Like many people I was self-taught in IT. However, I was very much aware that I had no real proof of my competence and nor would any potential employers.

"I also felt that I still had a lot to learn, especially in regard to gaining better IT efficiency. Now that I've passed, I also think that having the ECDL on my CV will improve my future job prospects," he said.

Since undergoing the training, Stuart's IT work is far more effective, especially in regard to word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets and presentations.

His employer, HB Technologies, which designs and develops electronic products for the telecoms industry, has been very supportive. Not only are they benefiting from having a better skilled and qualified member of the workforce, but his greater efficiency will also result in time savings.

County Durham On Line's technical manager, Judith Peacock, explained: "We currently have 76 users at various different stages of working towards their ECDL from more than 35 different SMEs in the County.

"Stuart's success should help to inspire them to go for the tests and achieve the qualification."